I AM BACK!
Miri: Finally!
Peder: We thought you had abandoned us.
I would never abandon you guys. Or my readers. And finally, here's your chapter.
~Lily~
I self consciously yanked at my curls while Omar strolled casually beside me.
"So what exactly are we looking for?" I looked away, my tanned face no doubt turning bright red.
"We are looking for a witch by the name of Madame….. Changez votre destin?"
"Weird name." He muttered.
"Weird woman."
"And tell me, why are we looking for this Madame…whatever?"
"I need to help Miri and Britta."
"That's helpful."
"That's all I've been told." I lied.
"And Steffan sent us?"
"He did."
"Great." There was an awkward pause.
"So…how was your summer?" I rushed ahead. Really Lils? How was your summer? Why didn't I just out right say I have no idea how to talk to someone I like. Connor laughed, flipping his hair out of his face.
"It was fine. Not as good with you girls gone, but it was alright." That's right. That was the summer they charted us back to the school to pick up delegates. Everyone thought Miri was a shoo in, but oddly enough Britta stepped forward and picked Katar.
"Pretty weird turn of events, Katar being chosen and all." I said.
"Well, I always thought there was more to Katar than her rough exterior."
"She's was always mean." I turned my head.
"A bit jealous are you?" He bumped my shoulder and I laughed.
"Not a bit!"
"You are. You turned as red as your hair!"
"I'm always red." Whenever you're around.
"You do always seem flushed." Before I could reply, a scream alerted both of us.
"HELP! MY BABY'S BEEN STOLEN!" Omar quickly stepped in front of me. Then this man ran to us, which was odd because the voice was female.
"ALL I WAS TRYING TO DO WAS GET HIM TO SEE HIS WIFE WASN'T WORTH IT!"
"Umm….sir?" I asked.
"I'm not a sir! I'm his sister! I was trying to get him to stay home, so I got a-"
"A hypnotist." He…..she nodded.
"Yes. And when we finally found the woman, she said she needed a life in replacement. We said no and went home, only to find my baby gone!"
"I'm sorry." Omar said, still in front of me. I stepped from behind him.
"Where is this witch?"
~Miri~
Britta was playing in my hair, but I found no enjoyment out of it. All I could think of was her kissing Steffan. Them together. Lord knows what would have happened had I not walked in at that time.
"Miri?"
"Yes?"
"Why do you think this happened?" She stopped brushing my hair, and I sighed. Steffan loved it when my hair was down. Or was that Peder? God! I don't know!
"I don't know Britta."
"It's just…" she sat down next to me, her own blond locks spilling around her shoulders. "….everything, was perfect. And you were here, and Peder…..Steffan…..whoever I was marrying and I were happy, and suddenly….I can't remember anything."
"We'll figure this out."
"I'm getting married so soon."
"I know Britta."
"And one guy is a prince and the other…."
"What?"
"Huh?"
"The other is what?"
"It doesn't matter."
"No it does matter, because there's nothing wrong with Peder."
"I'm not saying that."
"But you implied it. Just because he's not a prince does not mean he isn't worthy of your love or respect." We were quiet for a few minutes as I realized what I just said. Of course I loved Peder, I've only known him my whole life. But I love Steffan differently. Don't I?
~Peder~
"I gathered you here for the sake of figuring out the truth." Steffan paced in front of me.
"Steffan it's just me."
"So you admit to seducing my future bride." He accused, jutting a finger in my face. I lightly batted it away.
"You're acting crazy."
"I can't help it." He muttered, pacing again. "I've sent Lily to find the witch."
"Lily? Why did you do that?!"
"Relax, she's with Omar." He said easily.
"I'm not worried about her being in danger. I've seen her wrestle Frid, and quite well. It's just…don't you suppose we ought to keep this little…..situation to ourselves. Miri hated it when she got others involved in her struggles."
"Britta too." We were quite for a few minutes. "No offense to your lady or anything, because I do care for Miri. But not as I care for Britta." I observed him in all his princely shining honor. He didn't deserve Miri.
"Why didn't you choose her?"
"I was prepared for Britta and-"
"No, because Miri is not some second choice to anyone. She's sweet, and funny, and pretty, and wonderful….and you hurt her. When you just left like that."
"You clearly don't understand."
"I understand well enough." I snapped back. "Listen, if this doesn't work out. If we never find this witch, I want Miri happy. And I don't want her hurt again."
"What are you getting at? Are you saying you're in love with Britta? Cause that's the way it's sounding."
"Well that's not what I'm saying. Britta is the farthest thing from my mind. All I want is Miri happy, and if she gets hurt because a jerk with a title doesn't deem her worthy enough, you will have me to personally deal with."
"And you listen to me Peder. I like you. I respect you. But I do not take kindly to threats."
"Then see it as a prophesy, because it will happen should you choose to send her away." The friendly feel in the atmosphere was gone, leaving a lingering chill in the air.
"Guys!" Lily burst in. "I found the witch!"
